Outdoor FPV flying could soon face additional regulation
Jay Smith
jays@modelaircraft.org
We are fortunate to have technology that allows us the ability to fly from the cockpit of our aircraft using an FPV system. When enjoying this type of flight, we need to do so in a responsible manner and stop posting or promoting videos that depict unsafe or illegal actions. This puts everyone’s ability to enjoy this part of the hobby at risk.
Although many might think that these videos are cool, they could ultimately cause significant changes to how and where we can enjoy FPV flying. A single video last October caused AMA’s Government Relations team to make an unplanned visit to Washington, D.C., to continue to advocate for FPV flight. Those watching these videos aren’t only fellow pilots—they are also the FAA, Department of Defense, and state and local governments.
“If our community doesn’t help police itself, we could soon face additional laws and regulations that police us. Ultimately, it’s your choice.”
Think of it this way: FPV flight is like a game of Jenga, where players take turns removing one block at a time from a tower constructed of blocks. Each block that is removed is then placed at the top of the tower, creating a progressively taller and more unstable structure.
Each time a questionable video is posted, it removes support for us to continue to enjoy FPV flight without further restrictions—just as removing one of the support blocks in Jenga threatens to send the entire tower crashing down.
While the AMA continues to advocate for your right to fly, we need your help. Please fly responsibly and follow federal, state, and local laws as well as the AMA Safety Code. If our community doesn’t help police itself, we could soon face additional laws and regulations that police us. Ultimately, it’s your choice.
